Nim″ble (nĭm″b'l), a. [Compar.Nimbler (?); superl.Nimblest (–blĕst).] [OE. nimel, prob. orig., quick at seizing, fr. nimen to take, AS. niman; akin to D. nemen, G. nehmen, OHG. neman, Icel. nema, Goth. nima, and prob. to Gr. νέμειν to distribute. √7. Cf. Nomand, Numb.] Light and quick in motion; moving with ease and celerity; lively; swift.
Through the mid seas the nimble pinnace sails. Pope.
☞ Nimble is sometimes used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, nimble-footed, nimble-pinioned, nimble-winged, etc.
Nimble Will(Bot.), a slender, branching, American grass (Muhlenbergia diffusa), of some repute for grazing purposes in the Mississippi valley.
Syn. — Agile; quick; active; brisk; lively; prompt.